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The difference between a brand ambassador and a spokesmodel in the cosmetics business can be a bit confusing and some people do use the terms interchangeably, but they are actually two very different roles. Just to confuse matters further, there is a saying in some circles that says that all spokesmodels are brand ambassadors, but not all brand ambassadors are spokesmodels.

Cosmetic line spokesmodel or makeup brand ambassador, both roles are vital to the success of a makeup brand and both can make or break a marketing campaign because, when a top cosmetics company chooses a new face for their makeup products, the face that they choose becomes the public image of the product. To clear up some of the confusion, here are the main differences between the two roles.

Brand Ambassadors

The most common definition of a brand ambassador is somebody that who is hired to create a positive image of brand to increase brand awareness and improve sales. A brand ambassador will be someone who is completely immersed in the brand’s image and who knows the brand’s products inside out. Today, a person in this role is usually someone who has an established online presence and who is prepared to utilise that online presence to promote the brand.

A makeup brand ambassador will have shared values with the image of the company, become the face of the makeup brand and have a good knowledge of the makeup line of that company as well as other beauty products that the company may sell under the same brand name.

In this role, a person becomes very closely linked to the product they are promoting and will be willing and able to make personal recommendations to their followers. Of course, this close-knit relationship between an ambassador and the brand can backfire sometimes, if the chosen ambassador does something that negatively reflects on the image that the company is attempting to portray.

Spokesmodel

The role of a spokesmodel, whether it is for a French cosmetics giant or a lesser known makeup brand, is a combination of model, being the face of the makeup brand and, to a lesser extent, being an ambassador for the cosmetics company

These days, many cosmetics brands look for their next spokesmodel to be a person who already has had some public exposure, such as a singer or a model.

In the world of top cosmetics brands, a spokesmodel might be called upon to model the makeup, give tutorials on how to apply the makeup, appear in advertisements and in videos, make personal appearances and be a spokesperson and advocate for the cosmetics. They need, therefore, to be comfortable with modelling, having their photograph taken, and be comfortable being in the limelight, as they may be asked to speak at public events to reinforce the connection between the face and the product.

Some of the more famous spokesmodels for cosmetics products have included; Cindy Crawford for Revlon, Jacklyn Smith for Max Factor and, more recently, Georgia May Jagger for Rimmel London, but the term can also be applied to models who are not yet major celebrities in their own right but who have been chosen to become the next face of a top cosmetics brand.

For a makeup beginner, choosing what to buy and start from can be really difficult and leaves a little room for experimenting. Especially now you need to look your best everyday, every time.

Gone are the days, when a simple lip gloss and a little khol was enough to go by day. It is said that Cleopatra bathed in goat’s milk and honey to look her best. We’re all aware of the ancient connection between women and beauty. No wonder the cosmetics and beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise! Now you need to look your best everyday, every time. The range of hair products, skin lotions, and cosmetics available today is mind boggling. Buying, maintaining and replenishing beauty products is an expensive affair. After all, vanity comes with a price tag. And all the available options can be overwhelming for a total beginner.

If you walk into a store like Sephora or Ulta and find yourself overwhelmed, it’s probably safe to say you’re quite new to the makeup world. For a beginner, makeup can be quite intimidating. Today there’s such a huge selection of products available which often makes newcomers feel pretty confused. “What does that do?” “What do I need this for?” The choice seems endless. And more often than not, you end up buying something that doesn’t work for you. Don’t worry. Makeup, like many things, involves trial and error and lots of practice, but a little help never hurts. We’ve compiled a “makeup starter kit” of affordable essentials that every newbie needs in order to fully dive into the realm of makeup.

Primer

A primer, while not always essential, will help your makeup go on smoothly and increase its longevity. When choosing a primer, it’s important to take your skin type into consideration. If you have dry skin, you’ll want something hydrating and brightening. If you have oily skin with larger pores, you’ll want something mattifying and blurring.

BB Cream/ Foundation

If you’re new to makeup, try out a BB cream before jumping into the realm of foundation. BB, or “beauty balm,” creams provide light coverage and don’t feel heavy like some foundations can. Overall, they’re a good way to allow your skin to get used to the feel of wearing makeup. Like primers, knowing your skin type is important when choosing a BB cream.

Concealer

Even if you’re hesitant about using face makeup for the first time, a concealer is a must. Concealers contain more pigment than foundation and allow you to cover up things like dark circles or any unwanted blemishes.

Powder

Powder is essential for locking in your makeup and making sure it won’t slip and slide around all day. If you have drier skin, you can usually get away without it but if you have combo/oily skin, it’s a must. The most important part of your face to set is the T-zone-the forehead, nose and chin-as this is the area that produces the most oil.

Bronzer

Bronzer allows you to fake that sunkissed glow all year round. It’s best to apply a warm shade in the shape of a “3” along the sides of your face, hitting your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.

Blush

Blush, when applied correctly, adds life to your face. A good way to choose a perfect blush is to select a color that mimics your natural flush. Peachier tones tend to look best on those with warm skin, while pink shades flatter those with cool skin.

Highlighter

It’s not a necessary step, but if you want to achieve that gorgeous, lit-from-within glow, you’ll need a highlighter. Highlighters are light, shimmery champagne or golden toned powders or liquids

An eye primer is absolutely essential if you want your eyeshadows to look amazing all day. Eye primers prevent your eyeshadows from creasing, make them appear more vibrant, and help them go on smoothly and blend easily.

Neutral Eyeshadow Palette

Neutral eyeshadows are the most basic and essential thing a makeup beginner needs in their kit. In general, light shades should be applied to your lid, inner corner and brow bone, medium shades to the crease, and dark shades to the outer corner and lower lashline.

Eyeliner Pencil

Eyeliner pencils can intensify any look and really make your eyes pop. Black can be used to add a sultry and smokey effect to your look, brown is perfect for every day definition, and nude can be used in the waterline to really open up the eyes.

Liquid or Gel Eyeliner

A liquid or gel eyeliner will add drama and is the perfect product to take your look from day to night. The formula you choose is your preference, however they both take some practice.

Mascara

If you could only buy one product on this whole list, mascara should be it. It’s amazing what long, full lashes can do for your face. Applying a few generous coats of mascara to both your upper and lower lashes will open up your eyes, brighten up your face and make you look more awake.

Lip Liner

Lip liner is an excellent way to define your lips and increase the longevity of your lipstick.

Lipstick

For a makeup beginner, lipstick is probably the easiest way to really play with different colors and looks. There are a variety of finishes and shades to choose from, and really, it’s all about experimenting!

Lip Gloss

Lip Gloss is a great way to add color and shine to your lips without dealing with the maintenance of a lipstick.

If you need a simple, easy-to-follow guide for covering pimples with foundation, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will outline the types of foundation as well as the methods of application you should use to successfully cover that big red zit up. However, you should keep in mind that foundation can only hide a pimple – to get rid of it completely, you will need to invest in a suitable skincare approach.

So you’re getting ready to go out – maybe you’re meeting that cute coworker for lunch or you’re having a ladies night out – when out of the corner of your eye, you see it: a pimple. That angry, inflamed, pus-filled demon has reared its ugly head again. But what are you going to do? You want to look good; you definitely don’t want a zit that looks like the beginnings of a second head sprouting from your nose.

That’s where we come in. While there’s no real trick to making a zit go away instantaneously, you can hide it away until it decides to leave you for good. With our tips and tricks to using foundation to completely mask even the most stubborn of pimples, you’re guaranteed to look flawless and picture-perfect for any occasion!

Picking your foundation

Since it’s going to be on your skin all day long, you’ll want to pick a foundation that’s light and breathable. Opt for non-comedogenic foundations – this refers to a class of foundations that don’t clog your pores. After all, clogged pores lead to pimples, and there’s no point in trying to cover up a pimple if you’re only going to create 10 more!

If you’re afflicted with acne or have sensitive skin, choose your foundation accordingly. You may need a hypoallergenic one, or those specifically formulated for oily/acne-prone skin.

It can be pretty overwhelming sorting through all the different brands of foundation at the store, and just ask the staff there for help. They receive special training on the products available, and will definitely be able to recommend you the best type of foundation for your specific needs. Bye bye foundations reviews are pretty good and they can definitely help you out with your skin problems.

Be sure to get the right shade of foundation! Test it out on your neck instead of your wrist – your neck is the closest in shade to your face.

Pre-application ritual

Yep, you read that right. Before you apply your foundation, you need to get your skin ready. You’ll want to cleanse it with a gentle face wash to get rid of any dirt or grime that may already be there. If you skip this step, you’ll effectively be trapping all dirt and oil under the layer of foundation you’ll apply. This, in turn, will cause your skin to break out in zits.

Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Foundation can dry your skin out, so it’s a good idea to moisturize your face too. Make sure the moisturizer has been completely absorbed into your skin before you begin to apply your foundation, otherwise, you could end up with a smeared mess.

Apply!

So you’ve followed the steps to a T so far. Now you’re ready to actually apply your foundation! Place a tiny bit on your finger (make sure your hands are clean!) and pat it gently onto the pimple and any surrounding redness. Don’t rub it in – this could irritate your pimple further. Continue gently patting it until the pimple is covered up.

Then, apply the rest of the foundation to your skin. You can use a makeup sponge (as long as it’s clean!) or you can use your fingers. Try to rub as little as possible – and use as little foundation as possible! You want your skin to look naturally flawless, you don’t want that ugly caked look.

Applying foundation isn’t the last step, removing it is. Your skin needs to breathe, so remember to remove your foundation, and any other makeup you may be wearing, before you collapse into bed at night!

Keep some makeup wipes on your bedside table for the nights when you’re just too tired to drag yourself to your bathroom and properly remove all your makeup. While just a quick wipe-down of your face isn’t ideal, it’s alright to do it once in a while.

Another thing to remember: Foundation is only a temporary cure to a possibly permanent problem. Sure, this pimple might fade in a few days, but new ones will crop up unless you take care of your skin well. Wash your face at least twice a day (morning and night) and moisturize after each wash to replenish any oils that have been stripped away. You should also aim to exfoliate at least once, if not twice, a week and apply a soothing facial mask once a week.

The time has come when the annoying fairness creams and powder commercials should be over and people should be concerned about glowing, beautiful and healthy skin. So, instead of running behind the fairness and white skin tone, let’s break the stereotype and find out how to get beautiful and healthy skin. A beautiful skin should be glowing, fresh, healthy and even-toned. Here are some easy ways and tips for beautiful skin.

Makeup and Bed

The first and the foremost thing you should always keep in mind is that never sleep with your makeup on. Makeup clogs the skin and makes it unable to breathe which leads to skin issues like acne, pimples, dark patches, uneven skin tone, etc. So, it is important to remove your makeup before getting into bed and try to use oils instead of makeup remover.

Sun Kiss

Sun Kiss sounds beautiful, but it is very harmful for your skin. Sun can damage your skin and make it unhealthy. So, it is very important to avoid stepping out during peak hours and if you can’t do this always wear your sunscreen with SPF 30 at least. If you have to be in the field, wear light clothes which cover maximum parts of your skin. Skin exposure leads to tanning, wrinkles, dark patches, age spots and other skin problem.

Eat healthy to look beautiful

Again one of the best tips for beautiful skin is to eat healthy. According to an old adage, it is said that you are what you eat. So, eat healthy and avoid junk foods. Food rich in vitamins, mineral and protein is good for skin while sugary, oily, fried, spicy and unhealthy ones lead to pimples, acne, and other skin problem.

Drink Water

The easiest and simplest way to get beautiful skin is to drink a lot of water. Water helps you to be healthy and makes your skin to look fresh, radiant and glowing as water flushes away all the toxins out of the body. You need to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water each day. Water based fruits and veggies also help you the same way.

AdequateSleep

We all heard about the beauty sleep which is really effective and one of the best tips for having beautiful skin. Proper and sound sleep of 8 hours makes your skin healthy, glowing, reducing dark circles, eye puffiness and heals the damage skin cells. Also, indulge yourself into ‘before bed’ beauty regime of cleansing and moisturizing for healthy and beautiful skin.

Workout and Exercise

Workouts and exercises are not only good for body but also lead to beautiful and glowing skin. When we do workout we sweat, sweating helps in removing all the dirt, dust and toxins out of the skin and body which gives you radiant skin tone and glow. Workout, yoga, jogging or any other exercise also improves blood circulation and accelerate natural cleaning process of the body.

The tips for beautiful skin are incomplete without the best treatments which is in your kitchen which all the Indian ladies are using since ages. Milk, turmeric, sandal wood, honey, lemon, rose water, fuller’s earth, fruits, veggies, yogurt, etc. always help you to get beautiful skin. You need to make amazing cleansers, face packs, scrubs from of these ingredients for your skin and see the magic.

An issue I notice a majority of women have trouble with is deciding how much or what style of makeup is appropriate for the workplace. What is too much versus how much is enough? What colors or look should I go for? How can I come across as a professional while still looking feminine? All of these are questions I hear from young, female professionals either in the pursuit of a career or just beginning in one. The answer to these questions is actually quite simple.

THE ANSWER: SIMPLE!

Simple makeup is honestly the best answer to thee simple questions. You want the makeup to bring out the natural beauty that every woman has, but not be overly flashy or draw too much attention.

• Pick a foundation that matches your skin tone so you don’t come across as a two-tone woman – neck one color, face another. Also, trying using a matte power so that you don’t become oily or shiny throughout the day. Sometimes work can be stressful and when you start to sweat you don’t want to lose your look. Apply the powder on top of your foundation or instead of it.

• Your eyes are important – enhance them, but don’t go overboard. Again, try to stick to more neutral, skin-tone colors. This would include light bronzes, nudes, browns, lighter pinks, etc. Now, I know you want to bring out the color in your eyes with those bright colors, but you can get the same effect using pastels of those same colors.

• Again on the eyes, mascara is a must and some eyeliner never hurt. Black eyeliner is typically seen as a “no no,” but I don’t see the harm in it as long as it does not appear harsh against your skin tone or you do not apply to much. (Sorry my lovely fair and pale ladies, but you should avoid black eyeliner in the work place!) Brown eyeliner is always safe, but again, never too much! And, again, mascara is a wonderful product because it brings out your eyes without adding too much making you look professional, yet feminine. Don’t forget to line your brows if you have thin ones like me. Pick a brow-liner that is the same color as your hair and try to stay within the bounds of your natural ones.

• Blush is always a good thing, but like I’ve been saying, don’t put too much (and avoid glitters)! Some lighter nude/pinks are perfect on the apples of your cheeks and across your cheekbones. This will create a highlighted effect that will look beautiful under those harsh office lights. A quick swoosh of highlighter in the tops of your cheekbones never hurt either!

• Color on a woman’s lips is one of those subtle things that makes a big difference. Depending on skin tones, a light pink, nude rose, or coral brown would be a perfect accent to your wardrobe. Look for lipsticks with words such as ‘creamy,’ ‘nude,’ ‘sheer,’ ‘cool,’ and ‘warm’ as they tend to be softer and more professional. Top of your lip color with some clear gloss for a little shine and you’re good to go!

THINGS TO AVOID

Now that you know what to look for in your workplace makeup kit, these are things you should avoid. These types of products or colors tend to make you look showy or unprofessional and may even prevent you from being taken seriously amongst your colleagues.

• Try to stay away from those fake looking bronzers in the workplace or tones that are too dark or too light for you. Bronzers make you look like you are attending a fashion show and the wrong color can make you appear washed out or too unnaturally tan.

• When it comes to eye shadow, avoid bright rainbow colors and shimmers because they make you look overly glitzy. You’re going for professional, not high fashion. Blues and greens always tend to stick out regardless of what skin tone they are applied too, so you may have to pass up on those colors.

• The rule with eyeliner and mascara is just not too much, but don’t use fake lashes in the work place. Outside of work, those puppies are beautiful, but in the office they just seem like too much.

• Steer clear of bright blushes, especially those with a ton of shimmer or glitter involved. Bright or deep pinks and reds can make you look strange in a whole new way. Anything from sun burnt to clown-like, but none of them are good. With the shimmer and glitter, it just appears very reflective under office lights and may make you appear greasy.

• Lips – stay away from using bright colors or those colors that aren’t a semi-natural shade (this would include purples, blacks, oranges, etc.). You don’t want people staring at just your mouth as you talk, especially if you are giving a presentation – it can be distracting!

HOW I DO IT

These are the steps I take when I am applying makeup for an interview or a meeting. I have always found it helpful to know how someone else does something and I hope this helps you.

1. Apply skin-tone concealer under the eyes, on the eyelids, and on blemishes. I find dabbing lightly with your fingertips to be the best applicator.

2. Apply a thing layer liquid foundation over entire face and slightly down around the jaw-line. This way you don’t get that line you see on women sometimes at the bottom of their face.

3. Use powder on entire face other than eyelids to get the foundation to “stick.”

4. Line brows with liner. I fill in natural brows and then extend them slightly on the ends to create that very structured look. I also use a brow gel to keep all the hairs in place throughout the day.

5. Apply eyeshadow. This can be done in any different ways. I apply a nude color to the lid, a highlighter color to the place under my brow, and a slightly darker color to the crease. You can buy palettes of eyeshadow with this exactly layout to make it easier.

6. Line the top of my eye and the bottom-outer third. This doesn’t appear as too much, but does make your eyes look bigger and brighter.

7. Apply mascara to top lashes and the bottom-outer third. You want to place the mascara where the eyeliner is because it enhances the effect of the eyeliner.

8. Apply blush to cheekbones. Apply one shade darker blush right under cheekbones. Dust highlighter on the top of your cheekbones. If you have even heard of contouring or shading your makeup – this is it in a simplified form.

9. Apply lipstick and then clear gloss. Sometimes I line my lips with a shade that is slightly darker than the lipstick I choose, but sometimes that can look like “too much.”

10. Walk out the door and into the office – just don’t forget to smile!

By following these tips and guidelines and utilizing my makeup steps, you should be able to wear makeup in a professional way while still looking beautiful and feminine. Good luck out there!

Whether you are thinking about using grease makeup for a theatrical event, a special Halloween party or some other occasion, you need to know what products are out there and how to apply them.

While grease makeup takes more time and preparation than regular water-soluble face paint, it also lasts much longer. Most importantly, grease makeup won’t smear or run under hot lights or conditions where you might perspire. With grease makeup you can create a more dramatic and even professional look.

Before you start applying the makeup, you need to prepare your face so it goes on smoothly. Thoroughly clean your face, tying back hair where necessary, and for men, have a shave. (Bearded men can apply grease paint makeup but it can be tricky keeping it out of the hair.) Remember that grease makeup will stain clothes, so put on an old button-up shirt. After your skin dries, apply a very light moisturizer.

Working with the lightest color first – usually white – and a good quality brush or sponge, or your fingers, you can outline the area and then fill it in. Alternatively you can paint following the contours of your face. The grease makeup may not go on smoothly if it is too cold, which you can remedy by putting a little dab of the color of in the palm of your hand for a minute. After painting, use your fingers to ‘pat’ the makeup into your skin.

Unlike water-based makeup, grease makeup requires you to paint your face and then ‘set’ it with a professional setting powder, or baby or talcum powder. (If you go with talcum, be sure to confirm beforehand that you don’t have an allergic reaction to it.) You can ‘set’ the grease makeup either in stages following each color’s application, or at the end of all the painting. Some people prefer the latter, applying all the colors before setting with powder, because they can fix mistakes more easily. The downside however is that you risk mixing colors accidentally and smearing your work.

Whether you ‘set’ in stages or at the end, one reliable way to apply the powder is to partly fill a small, clean, cotton tube sock with the powder, tie it up, and then gently dab your face. Allow the powder sit for a half a minute or so before dusting the excess off with a powder brush. The painted areas should no longer feel moist or sticky – if this is not the case, you probably need more powder. Once the grease makeup has set, it should be fairly smudge-proof. If something needs correcting at this point, you can use Q-Tips soaked in baby oil, but remember that neighboring areas could now be smudged.

Be careful not to apply the grease face makeup thickly or in layers. If you do have too much in one spot, press down on it with your fingers to smooth it out. Continue to refine your face, using Q-Tips or a fine brush for the smaller areas. Grease pencils also can be used for the face, charcoal pencils for the eyes, and don’t forget color for your lips too!

Allow the grease makeup to thoroughly dry, and apply a last light coating of powder, dusting off any excess with a brush or tissue paper. A damp cloth at the end can help remove the excess powder, or spray with a very light mist of water. In warmer climates you can probably skip this step because the extra powder will absorb any perspiration.

If you are applying glitter, it should be done at the very end. Generally glitter is most effective when applied over the eyes or on the cheeks, A glitter gel is often used instead of dry glitter to minimize the chances of it flaking into the eye. With dry glitter, first slightly dampen your face and cheeks, then ‘poof’ on the polyester glitter. Remember to let the makeup settle for about half an hour before you go out. If you have stray paint on your eyelashes, cover it with mascara.

Products available

For just about any type of face design you will need at a minimum white greasepaint foundation and a black greasepaint pencil, but of course there are many colors in between and you will probably want to try at least a few of them. The leading producers of grease makeup are Mehron and Ben Nye. Mehron grease makeup is focused on the theatrical professionals who want ease of application with good coverage. Ben Nye also appeals to the same community, although Ben Nye grease makeup is actually a cream. Grease face makeup comes in a range of forms, from palettes (generally sold as a kit), to individual liners. Pencils, crayons and sticks are useful for smaller areas of the face. Both Mehron and Ben Nye also make eye-shadows, blushes, a range of glitter and setting powders and sealing mists. You may also want to consider sweat-blocker sprays for the face to help preserve the greasepaint under strong lights or in a hot environment.